In a groundbreaking study published in the *Environmental Energy and Economic Research* (translated from Persian as *Journal of Environmental Energy and Economic Research*), researchers have quantified the environmental costs of electricity generation, shedding light on how these costs impact the final price of electricity. The study, led by Seyedeh Mahsa Mousavi Reineh of the Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies at the University of Tehran, offers a comprehensive analysis of the external costs associated with different energy sources, including thermal power plants and renewable energies.
The research reveals that the environmental costs of electricity generation are far from negligible. For thermal power plants, these costs include the depletion of fossil fuels, emissions of particulate matter and greenhouse gases, and the consumption of virtual water. The study found that the environmental costs for steam turbine, gas turbine, and combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants are 3.03, 2.44, and 1.24 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), respectively. These costs significantly affect the final price of electricity, as calculated using the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) model.
“Our findings underscore the importance of considering environmental costs in the pricing of electricity,” said Seyedeh Mahsa Mousavi Reineh. “By internalizing these costs, we can better understand the true economic and environmental impact of different energy sources.”
The study also highlights the environmental benefits of renewable energies. According to the research, electricity generated from wind and photovoltaic sources helps prevent the emission of more than 10 million tons of particulate matter and greenhouse gases annually. This finding underscores the potential of renewable energies to mitigate climate change and improve public health.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. By quantifying the environmental costs of electricity generation, the study provides a valuable tool for policymakers, energy providers, and investors. It highlights the need for a more holistic approach to energy pricing that takes into account not just the direct costs of generation but also the indirect costs to the environment and public health.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, this research offers a timely reminder of the interconnectedness of our natural resources and the importance of sustainable energy practices. It also provides a compelling case for the transition to renewable energies, which not only offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels but also help to reduce the environmental costs of electricity generation.
In the words of Seyedeh Mahsa Mousavi Reineh, “The transition to renewable energies is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity. By investing in renewable energies, we can reduce our environmental costs, improve public health, and create a more sustainable future for all.”
This research is a significant step forward in our understanding of the environmental costs of electricity generation and the role of renewable energies in mitigating these costs. It provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of energy and the need for a more sustainable and equitable energy system. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, this research offers a timely reminder of the importance of sustainable energy practices and the need for a more holistic approach to energy pricing.